The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a new directive requiring all passengers on Nigerian airlines to completely switch off mobile phones and electronic devices during flight take-off and landing, officially ending the long-standing practice of using “flight mode.”
The directive was issued by NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, during a stakeholders’ meeting themed “National Civil Aviation Security Committee Meeting” held in Abuja on Tuesday.
“All mobile phones, I repeat, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during at least the critical phase of flight on all Nigerian airlines. Switched off,” Najomo declared.
Rejecting the “flight mode” option, he said airlines must update their operations manuals to reflect the new policy and submit them to the NCAA for approval.
Najomo also unveiled a raft of stricter enforcement measures to curb rising incidents of unruly passenger behavior across Nigerian airports.
“The era of business as usual is over. If you are unruly, you are unruly,” he warned, stressing that airlines must provide conflict resolution training for staff to handle difficult passengers.
The NCAA boss revealed that mock response exercises will be conducted in Lagos and Abuja next week to test aviation security readiness. He emphasized that threats ranging from sabotage attempts to disregard for aviation protocols require a “decisive, united, and accountable response.”
To complement enforcement, Najomo said the Authority would roll out public enlightenment campaigns, including radio jingles and TV programs, to educate travelers on their responsibilities.
“We’re going to go on air. We’ll make sure passengers are informed about their responsibilities. Things will not be as usual,” he stated.
Speaking at the meeting, NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, stressed that security agencies would determine the most appropriate enforcement measures depending on each case.
He noted that Nigeria is “more humane” compared to other countries where unruly passengers often face severe penalties.
Achimugu also urged passengers to report complaints through the NCAA rather than resort to confrontation.
“This is the reason the Authority exists – to protect passengers’ rights,” he said.
Citing recent incidents involving high-profile individuals, Achimugu said the NCAA’s swift handling has set a precedent:
“There is not one party involved that would repeat their errors. Not KWAM1. Not Comfort. Not the pilot or cabin crew. But there are gaps in the system that must be urgently addressed.”
The NCAA’s latest directive signals a new era of zero tolerance for aviation rule breaches in Nigeria. From banning “flight mode” to enforcing strict penalties for unruly behavior, authorities say they are determined to strengthen aviation safety, protect passengers, and enforce global best practices.
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